President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday used a Facebook livestream to defend what he described as the “people-centred” focus of Budget 2026, arguing that the Government’s measures are designed to raise disposable income, ease cost-of-living pressures, and expand support for vulnerable groups.
Framing his comments as a direct response to opposition claims that the budget “has nothing for the ordinary Guyanese,” President Ali insisted that such criticism ignores what is “clearly outlined in the budget speech,” and accused detractors of either not paying attention or “deliberately misleading” the public.
“To say that the budget has nothing for the ordinary Guyanese is to ignore the measures that are clearly outlined in the budget speech,” the Head of State said. “Either the opposition… did not read or listen carefully… or they’re deliberately misleading our nation.”
In pointing to what he said are direct benefits for families, the Guyanese Leader zeroed in on housing policies, including an increase in the low-income housing market ceiling, which he said will allow more people, particularly young professionals, to access better mortgage terms.
“Low-income homeowners, middle-income homeowners, young professionals who can now borrow a loan of $30 million and have the same rate applied as low-income,” he said, adding that home ownership provides “security” and collateral that can support wealth creation.
He also referenced a $7.5 billion housing improvement subsidy, which he said will target home repairs and upgrades for vulnerable groups, and highlighted reduced VAT on various types of vehicles as part of the Government’s push to make vehicle ownership more attainable.
On cost-of-living issues, Ali pointed to the maintenance of zero per cent excise tax on petroleum products, which he said will cost the State “over $100 billion,” and spoke broadly about measures aimed at keeping freight and related costs under control.
The Head of State also listed several cash-transfer and social support measures, including an increase in the “Because We Care” grant and a new annual transportation grant for schoolchildren, pegged at about $4.1 billion.
The President said that, when combined, the initiatives amount to “close to $18 billion” in support for children.
He also referenced continued State coverage for CXC examination fees, arguing that families benefit directly when the Government pays those costs.
For senior citizens, Ali said the increase in old-age pension will cost about $5.7 billion, and added that an annual transportation support grant for pensioners, estimated at another $2 billion, will form part of a wider package of transfers to the elderly. He also spoke of additional support for elderly care homes and co-investment opportunities.
Ali further cited higher stipends for public workers under programmes such as pathway workers and community enhancement/support services workers, along with the annual bonus for men and women in uniform and increased support for community policing groups.
Among the fiscal measures he highlighted, Ali cited the elimination of the net property tax and an increase in the income tax threshold, arguing that the changes will leave workers with more take-home pay.
“The increase in income tax threshold… will put more money in our workers’ pockets,” he said, arguing that the collective measures amount to “hundreds of billions” in support of citizens.
“Together we are stronger,” he said, adding that the Government is “pleased to once again deliver a budget that will meet the aspirations and build on greater prosperity for every Guyanese.”
Budget 2026 is the largest budget in Guyana’s history, pegged at $1.558 trillion. Debates are continuing in the National Assembly.
